#The Texas Observer

[whatbigotspost]

Damn, y'all. This is very, very bad news:

I have an unshakable belief that "democracy" is a joke in any place where a free media cannot exist. As I've eluded to many times, I'm a big believer in more progressive leaning sources like NPR, the Texas Tribune (the source link in that^ story), and formerly, the Texas Observer. Things are NOT in a good place right now, financially, for any of those entities.

This trend is something that anyone who cares about the threat of the rising Christofascist right wing extremists should be paying a LOT OF FUCKING ATTENTION TO. If you can, you should be donating to any entity you depend on, like this. It's why I'm a member of my local NPR station. I mean, I can't help but feel like we are about 2 seconds away from just accepting that algorithms like TikTok are going to drive all of the "information" we have, and I hopefully don't need to explain why we'll all be thoroughly fucked if that happens. Here's an Austin local writer/journalist I trust, with more behind-the-scenes input about what happened w/ the Texas Observer.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

An exploration of the toxic brew of the white Evangelical pastors who form the hardcore base of the Trump supporters. They have concocted a new theology: fifty percent "prosperity gospel" and fifty percent white nationalism with very strong overtones of fascism as it manifested itself in Europe between the wars. These views are essentially heretical from the perspective of Roman Catholic, Orthodox and mainstream Protestant Christianity, and indeed, the Gospel of Jesus Christ plays only the most peripheral role.

[protoslacker]

The closing of the Observer raises questions about whether small progressive publications can survive the digital transformation of journalism and the information ecosystem during a time of rapid social, demographic and technological change.

Sewell Chan and Brandon Formby in The Texas Tribune. Texas Observer, legendary crusading liberal magazine, is closing and laying off its staff

The 68-year-old progressive publication, which published Ronnie Dugger, Molly Ivins and Kaye Northcott, hit financial troubles and wasn’t able to broaden its audience, board members said.

[theofficialastronomy101]

More than 30 people in Southern California reported seeing a giant fireball flash across the night sky on July 25, but what caused it is still a mystery. The American Meteor Society received 34 reports of witnesses seeing the fireball over the San Diego area at around 9:20 p.m. The fireball was also reportedly seen by residents of New Mexico, eastern Texas, and across the border in Mexico.

Our camera is facing south and the object flew from west to east,” Woods told NBC 7 News. “I first thought it might be a Starlink launch because this is the exact trajectory I’ve seen in previous launches, but there was nothing scheduled. So what could it have been?

[visiblenostalgia]

🥱The POST-Aries Eclipse…😑✨

月曜日。8日4月2024年

19° Aries: (Libra Degree) from [Sabian Symbologist],

“Only Your Soul Knows For Sure”

“…a symbol of periodic expansion of man’s freedom of spirit and soul through his widely winging interest far removed from his normal promise,” What comes from this understanding yourself before understanding others. Being YOURSELF in the CROWD. A standout.

However, they even state that detaching too much (dissociation) may lead to “scorn” from responsibilities. Healthy detachment is okay. Just be careful to dissociate yourself from everything. Feeling too much of nothing can STILL be feeling something.

(More of my experiences under the cut)

It’s like ever since this eclipse on Monday the 8th, the energy around me has been much more light and open to my energy. Like I can move on and get stuff done. I no longer feel hunkered down as I feel like I can let grudges, bygones, fucked interactions with people (mind the Aries Mercury retrograde) and forgetfulness go.

Not to mention that when I just look forward and keep on keeping on, do I “breathe in” revitalizing energy. I feel like I can take in something new as my friends and career shift to both of what’s needed of me and what are my desires.

Another thing to note was the Eclipse occurred right on my 11th house cusp. If I could call it my Secondhand Midhaven I would. My SM. Cause that’s made my work and creative life so much more passionate and enjoyable. All because of letting things, emotions, and people that did not suit me at all….go.

It feels like that first rainy day after a long brutal heatwave. I can finally feel at ease and hop onto my work.

Extra little notes of what my latest experiences were like:

I started roleplays that go episode by episode in a show and we’ve been doing our own spins on it (creative juices a’flowing babyyyyy)

Spiritual downloads of ideologies that currently don’t exist but may come these next few decades. Something aligned with (again,) Creativity, Chaos, Common Knowledge, Sensibility, Laughter, Understanding divine timing…. TRUE Healing too (not running away or asking too much from therapy. Cause if you’re not growing yourself day by day (of course with a little advice but not too much to over rely) there’s no way).

Just being around friends who understand me. Being around people who are just here for a good time. Fighting only takes so much out of the human spirit. Gotta remember that night will hit and the hay needs someone to rest against it.

Some music I found that matched what it feels like coming out of that eclipse.

This one mainly being the sole reason why I love my state (and how lucky we are to get totality even if it was cloudy as fuck. PEOPLE STILL GOT TOGETHER TO HANG OUT)

I salute to you Texas. May the lone star state shine forever in our proud favor.

I’ve also dabbled in more Nu Metal because of the crazy war vibes from Aries alone.

Another song from Cowboy Carter that just makes me feel so ready to jump out there and smile:

😵‍💫Pre-Solar: in between…🤬

金曜日。5日4月2024年

Now that I think more on some stuff:

This is a side track where it was IN-BETWEEN the two eclipses from Libra Lunar and Aries Solar.

I saw The First Omen and good god did it make me feel the uncomfortableness of it all within that eclipse cycle. It scared me five times not gonna lie. And I haven’t cringed harder than I have since then.

What surprised me was that the Astrology for WHEN EXACTLY I went also lined up with something.

Moon (Emotions/Feelings) conjunct with Mars (Intensity/Drive) and Saturn (Structure/Discipline + Nihilism/Realism). Saturn tends to put pressure on systems it seems unfit or not suitable for the others around. A “YOU BEST GIT YOUR ACT TOGETHER” energy. ESPECIALLY WITH MARS. Not to mention Pisces rules religious beliefs and ideologies that are overwhelmingly large and complex. Combining all four……also added onto the fact that said movie watched was The First Omen…

It made me understand something….

That movie was about Religious Dogmatism and you couldn’t tell me otherwise! (Do tell me otherwise LMAO)

🐟🔥🪐

Much love to the astrology community guys. Hope you guys have been eating well and doing your best to protect your energy cause the world wants to bring yours down every day no matter what form.

🫶

[sushi11]

Planetary nebula, 4x the size of moon

Credit: Bray falls

[dawnbreakerluna]

no but what’s really funny is if johnny met someone exactly like him — not necessarily the cannibalism or extreme narcissism, but perhaps they love so intensely that they would go as far as murder if it meant protecting someone or something they cared about.

johnny’s the type of guy to plan 10 steps ahead when it comes to choosing his next victim; stalking them, learning their daily routine, etc.

but him meeting someone similar — someone who evaluates, observes, and dissects a personality of the person they’re speaking to.

i don’t take johnny as the type of guy to get scared so easily, but meeting someone of such an intense character would both intrigue and frighten him. he’d probably try to outwit this person, see if they crack. yet to his surprise, they lay out everything so easily for him because he too is being greatly tested.

this person just knows something isn���t right about johnny, despite how devilishly handsome and charming he is. they admire the charm, but it takes someone with a particular eye to want to challenge him like this. to unravel what darkness is brewing beneath such a “down-to-earth,” personable man.

a battle of wits, violence, lust, and if it may be in the end—blood.

[thenotebookwizard]

Texas. Observation #1173

Today is June 1. Pride Month! I love pride month, because so many of my friends, my colleagues, my students, my family, fandom people, workers, and others get the chance to have the loud, clear, (hopefully) joyful voice they deserve.

They don't always get that voice the rest of the year. I know some folk think otherwise, but LGBTQ+ folks don't get heard the way they deserve most of the time. I don't live it, but I reckon Pride Month is just better - not the real voice they need.

But there are moments, living in the south (southern US), particularly Texas, and specifically the part of Texas I live in when I realize, with stark and frightening clarity, why Pride Month and events are still so fucking important.

I live in Austin. To be clear, Austin.

Austin is the gaudy, sparkly, blue rhinestone on the bible belt. Proudly. It's an openly LGBTQ+ friendly city.

I live just north of it. I had to go to the grocery store today. (Not one of my preferred activities.) But I went, because cat food. My kittens would be very irate if they ran out of food. And it was on sale. I'm cheap. And broke.

I went to HEB. Local chain. Amazing company. Great products. Store brands are often better (by a wide margin) than national brands.

And Pride was everywhere. Posters on the walls. Ads in the aisles. Products. Because why bother with LGBTQ+ people if we can't monetize them, right?

But there were pins on employee shirts and nametags. Some had rainbow work shirts on. Wristbands. Headbands. Necklaces. It was awesome.

And then, I saw other people. Wearing 'Let's Go Brandon' t-shirts with Trump's face. Wearing 'The ATF is Gay' shirts. Wearing other, worse shirts. Maga was as prevalent as Pride. (If you don't think the two are opposed, what in the holy name of fuck are you doing reading my blog?)

There was (apparent) peace. No one was hurling slurs (that I could hear.) No one was grumping at each other (that I could hear.) People were going about their business, flying their colors, and shopping like civilized humans. And while I am sure there is someone out there getting misty-eyed at the idea of bigots and LGBTQ+ people shopping together at their local chain. Supporting a local business. Etc.

They might even be sorta right. I don't know. I am not qualified to say that.

I just know that - occasional reminders of why Pride is important matter. Because all those people wearing slogans and symbols proclaiming things anti LGBTQ+ - things they wear often around these parts - on the first day of Pride...

They are the people who would be very happy to silence LGBTQ+ people. Forever.

[guardian-angle22]

911 Lone Star | Paul Strickland in 1.03 Texas Proud

+ bonus:

[melmac78]

Stuff you don’t expect at a west Texas farmers market: Taiyaki. These have red bean paste, which is sweeter than folks think.

Got 3 of these today. Would’ve also done kimchi or bulgogi if I didn’t eat a late brunch.

[sporadicarbitergardener]

[msannabiz]

The stars will always shine so bright.

[protoslacker]

The Texas Democracy Foundation, the nonprofit parent of the Texas Observer, told its staff today that it is laying off employees – including journalists and editors – and ceasing publication on Friday, March 31, 2023.

This Go Fund Me was established so that readers and supporters of the Texas Observer can give a lifeline to staff and journalists. I am James Canup and I have organized this campaign to benefit my former colleagues, having recently resigned from the Observer myself. I have launched this campaign with the knowledge of board and staff members.

If the board revisits its decision to cease publication and commence layoffs, funds raised here will be donated to the Texas Democracy Foundation to provide staff pay and benefits. Otherwise, funds raised here will be divided equally among the staff who are being laid off.

[kuiperkat]

I don't post here very often, largely I post on Instagram and Facebook, but I had a blast in Texas for the annular solar eclipse.

Can't wait go get back at it in 2024!

[thoughtportal]

The Texas Democracy Foundation, the nonprofit parent of the Texas Observer, told its staff today that it is laying off employees – including journalists and editors – and ceasing publication on Friday, March 31, 2023.

This Go Fund Me was established so that readers and supporters of the Texas Observer can give a lifeline to staff and journalists who are becoming unemployed. I am James Canup and I have organized this campaign to benefit my former colleagues, having recently resigned from the Observer myself. I have launched this campaign with the knowledge of board and staff members. We ask you to contribute as generously as you can to provide cash assistance to staff who are being laid off. The Observer is not able to provide a sufficient severance package to laid-off staff due to a funding shortfall and disarray. If the board revisits its decision to cease publication and commence layoffs, funds raised here will be donated to the Texas Democracy Foundation to provide staff pay and benefits. Otherwise, funds raised here will be divided equally among the staff who are being laid off.

Those organizing this Go Fund Me campaign are striving to help journalists and staff to have some money as they take time to seek their next jobs, so that they can support their families despite losing their jobs through no fault of their own. You are invited to read some of the Observer’s recent journalism before deciding to contribute.

The impact of this shutdown on the current team is devastating. “Where else can I go to write a column on transgender issues that takes on the New York Times,” asked one writer. Another was in the process of planning paternity leave for his first child. Another was covering Texas’ war on public schools. “That’s not how a progressive magazine should treat its staff,” said one editor.

What does the Texas Observer mean to its journalists and to Texans? Editorial independence and journalistic freedom have been the hallmarks of the Observer since its founding in 1954. The publication has been freer – less encumbered by the demands of business, advertisers and grantmakers – than any other publication of its stature. As such, the institution has been a proving ground for countless journalists over the years and continuing to this day, and a vital watchdog to extremists, corporations and politicians who would harm Texas and Texans.

Will you help save the staff of the Texas Observer by contributing now?

[giftiaa]

Southwestern Exterior in Austin Huge one-story stone exterior home image from the southwest